OK. I'm going to go out on a limb here. If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone can correct me. The front derailleurs in question are from Shimano's 105 component group.
the 5505 is designed to work with a triple chainring; the 5501 with a double. The two derailleurs are different in shape, appearance and function. Bending the 5501 to work with a triple chainring may be effective, but it is far from ideal. Bending metal weakens it. If I read you correctly, you have already lost some functionality in that you can no longer adjust the derailleur using a cable adjuster. I don't think that a bent 5501 is an acceptable replacement for a fully functioning 5505. The opinion of the court may differ, of course. I also question whether bending the derailleur to work as a triple complies with either your original agreement or the court order.
Good luck.
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